OBJECTIVE
To determine if implementation of damage control resuscitation (DCR) in patients undergoing damage control laparotomy (DCL) translates into improved survival.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
DCR aims at preventing coagulopathy through permissive hypotension, limiting crystalloids and delivering higher ratios of plasma and platelets. Previous work has focused only on the impact of delivering higher ratios (1:1:1).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was performed on all DCL patients admitted between 01/2004–08/2010. Patients were divided into pre-DCR implementation and DCR groups, and were excluded if they died prior to completion of the initial laparotomy. The lethal triad was defined as immediate post-operative temperature <95° F, INR>1.5, or a pH<7.30.
RESULTS
390 patients underwent DCL. Of these, 282 were pre-DCR and 108 were DCR. Groups were similar in demographics, injury severity, admission vitals and laboratory values. DCR patients received less crystalloids (median 14 L vs. 5 L), RBC (13 U vs. 7 U), plasma (11 U vs. 8 U) and platelets (6 U vs. 0 U) in 24-hr; all p<0.05. DCR patients had less evidence of the lethal triad upon ICU arrival (80% vs. 46%, p<0.001). 24-hour and 30-day survival were higher with DCR (88% vs. 97%, p=0.006 and 76% vs. 86%, p=0.03). Multivariate analysis controlling for age, injury severity, and ED variables, demonstrated DCR was associated with a significant increase in 30-day survival (O.R. 2.5, 95% C.I. 1.10–5.58, p=0.028).
CONCLUSION
In patients undergoing DCL, implementation of DCR reduces crystalloid and blood product administration. More importantly, DCR is associated with an improvement in 30-day survival.